"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Land of Rebirth's grand event!"
The amplified voice rang throughout the venue, immediately drawing cheers from countless spectators.
"This event will determine the strongest guard team in the Land of Rebirth!"
"Before we begin, a special reminder: every guard team participating in this selection is composed of former penitents who have successfully graduated from the Land of Rebirth."
That was right. Anyone who had passed the trials of the Knights of Beauty and successfully graduated from the Land of Rebirth was eligible to participate.
"First, allow us to introduce the judges for today's event!"
To prevent unnecessary trouble and disputes, none of the judges belonged to the Knights of Beauty.
"Let us begin by asking our first judge to explain her philosophy of guardianship!"
At the host's call, a spotlight shone down from above, illuminating the person seated on the far left.
And that person was none other than—Robin!
As a galactic superstar, she had once employed a great many guards herself.
She was also Sunday's sister, so naturally, there was no possibility of her missing this event.
Her understanding of a guard's role was simple.
"No matter what happens, the person under your protection must feel safe."
That was the most fundamental thing a guard ought to accomplish.
If the person being protected was left anxious and unsettled, then the guard had unquestionably failed at their job to some extent.
"I see! Then let us ask our next judge to share her philosophy of guardianship!"
The face of the second person beside Robin was illuminated next.
Her true identity was—Hotaru!
Her understanding of guardianship was this:
"A guard must be prepared to follow the person they protect even unto death!"
Only by embracing the resolve to die could one perform the duty better.
That was how she and her companions had always done it!
"I see. It appears Miss Hotaru has been through a great deal!"
The host nodded before speaking once more.
"Now, let us welcome our third judge!"
The figure besideHotaru was illuminated next.
And her true identity was—a chair!
"We can't see anyone at all! Could the judge sent by the Xianzhou Alliance be absent?!"
The host sounded astonished.
The Land of Rebirth had been jointly established for the mutual benefit of the Xianzhou Alliance, the Xiya Federation, and the Knights of Beauty.
Because of the special nature of this event, the Knights of Beauty had been excluded from the judging panel and replaced by Sora's people.
But the Xianzhou Alliance had not been excluded.
Under normal circumstances, they should have sent someone to serve as a judge. So why was there nothing but a forlorn, empty chair?!
At that moment, Hotaru quietly pointed behind it.
"She's hiding back here."
When the camera turned to the rear of the chair, some viewers immediately nodded in understanding.
That was right. The judge sent by the Xianzhou Alliance was—Feng Liqi!
"To think it would be Cangyan's... uh, who was she again?"
The host sounded stunned as he realized he had no idea who she was!
That could hardly be helped. Back in Cangyan, Feng Liqi had always deceived people with a fabricated appearance.
Feng Liqi herself did not care about that, however, because she was currently occupied with something else.
"Why did you make me come here?!"
With an anxious expression, she complained to Xi on the other end of the call.
"You could've sent Ahri! Or Jin Xing!"
And if all else failed, why couldn't Xi have come personally?
Ahri and Jin Xing had nearly fought each other over this opportunity.
So why had they sent her, someone terrified of social situations?
Xi had an explanation of her own.
"That's precisely why it had to be you. They were about to start fighting."
Only by sending Feng Liqi could the two of them be calmed down.
Besides...
"You once went all out to envelop Cangyan. Doesn't that count as guarding something too?"
That was how Xi had persuaded Ahri and Jin Xing.
"Anyway, the job is yours now. Be sure to enjoy yourself."
The call ended on the other woman's teasing words.
Realizing there was no escape, Feng Liqi could only take a deep breath.
Since she could not avoid it, she would face it!
Her expression turned solemn, and she took her seat under everyone's watchful gaze.
She looked rather dignified. It would have been even better if her legs had not shaken like sieves as she walked.
Once Feng Liqi was seated, the host moved on.
"It appears our judge has finished attending to her personal affairs. Please share your understanding of guardianship!"
Everyone's gaze settled on Feng Liqi's face once more.
What kind of insight would this judge offer? The audience could not help looking forward to it.
Feng Liqi continued staring ahead with a grave expression, but no words came.
Silence gradually spread throughout the venue as everyone waited patiently.
One second passed. Then two. Then three...
Feng Liqi maintained the same expression without wavering in the slightest.
"Could there be a problem with the video feed?"
Those watching the event frowned.
"She just isn't saying anything."
Knowing Feng Liqi's personality, Jin Xing immediately understood what was happening.
Clearly, Feng Liqi had been overwhelmed by the situation and was completely incapable of speaking.
"If this keeps up, isn't she going to disgrace all of Cangyan...?"
Ahri watched Feng Liqi remain silent with a worried expression.
What if Brother Sora refused to come here after this went wrong?
Unfortunately, she had no way to interfere with the event. All she could do was hope Feng Liqi managed to handle the situation.
That hope ultimately went unfulfilled.
Feng Liqi still did not speak.
At this rate, Cangyan was certain to lose face.
But then...
"I see! I understand now!"
The host suddenly cried out.
"What this judge wishes to tell us is that a guard must possess the courage to remain unflinching even if a mountain collapses before them!"
Courage was an essential quality for any guard. Only with courage could one strive to resist every external threat.
It was practically synonymous with the profession itself!
"To think this judge would convey her meaning in such a way! Truly unexpected!"
The host's eyes were nearly brimming with tears.
As expected of someone from the Xianzhou. Her explanation of guardianship was something that could only be understood, never expressed in words.
It perfectly embodied Xianzhou culture.
Upon hearing the host's explanation, the audience came to a sudden realization.
"So that's what it was?"
"Now that I think about it, that really does seem to be the case!"
"Exactly! I can see the courage blazing in her eyes. It's like a flame!"
The spectators finally understood.
So that was the truth!
"Now, let us welcome our final judge!"
As soon as the host finished speaking, the last light beside Feng Liqi came on.
The figure revealed before everyone was...
"A trash can with wings?!"
That was right. The final judge was none other than the person the guards were meant to protect—Sunday himself.
However, he now understood just how much attention his face attracted.
Although the Family of Penacony had acknowledged Robin, they had not forgiven him.
He was still on the Family's wanted list, so he could only appear before the public in this form.
Despite his appearance, however, he showed no trace of timidity.
"Ahem. At the very least, the guards I require must possess—"
He cleared his throat twice and prepared to explain what kind of guards he needed.
But the host suddenly cut him off.
"Excellent! We fully understand this judge's philosophy of guardianship!"
Sunday froze.
I haven't even finished talking! What do you understand, you jerk?!
"This judge has used his own appearance to tell us that a guard must never stand out!"
The host was apparently still caught up in the Xianzhou notion of conveying meaning without words.
"Only an ordinary-looking guard can blend into the crowd and protect the target more effectively."
"Overly distinctive features could draw attention and make someone a target before anything even happens!"
"What profound wisdom! This judge has used his own deepest understanding to reveal the truth to us!"
Sunday stared in dumbfounded silence.
"That isn't what I meant..."
He was specifically looking for guards who stood out.
Only then would everyone's attention be drawn away from him.
Yet he had never expected the host to reach the exact opposite conclusion!
Unfortunately, the host gave him no time to explain. Because Feng Liqi had held things up earlier, they now had to move immediately to the next stage.
Sunday's requirements were buried before he even had a chance to voice them.
"Now, let us welcome the guard candidates recommended by the Knights of Beauty!"
"Ta-da!"
Countless spotlights shone on the area opposite the judges' table.
One figure after another was illuminated.
They were the coaches for this guard selection competition—members of the Knights of Beauty!
"Each of them will recommend one or more guard candidates to take the stage. The judges will then evaluate them and determine the champion!"
"Let us all look forward to the candidates recommended by the Knights of Beauty!"
The host excitedly announced the start of the next stage.
And the first Knight of Beauty to present his ideal guards was Argenti!
"They embody the beauty of the cosmos. They are beings who uphold the way of guardianship."
The host immediately picked up on something in Argenti's words.
"Oh?! Could it be that Mr. Argenti has recommended multiple guards?"
"Indeed. They will undoubtedly perform the duty of guardianship to perfection!"
Argenti brimmed with confidence. He believed that group was unquestionably capable of completing the task!
"Then take the stage—the Silver-White Shield of Beauty!"
Countless people immediately looked on with anticipation.
The Silver-White Shield of Beauty?!
Could he be referring to a group of tall, powerfully built beings capable of forming a living wall?
If so, they truly would be suitable applicants for the job of guarding someone!
At Argenti's gesture, the Silver-White Shield of Beauty made its entrance beneath the spotlights.
The lights went dark in an instant.
Then a chorus of inexplicably soft and adorable voices rang out.
"Since you've asked so sincerely, we'll graciously give you an answer!"
CLICK!
The lights came on.
"To prevent the world from being destroyed!"
"To protect the peace of the universe!"
Cluster after cluster of white sprites scampered across the ground like snowballs.
Red lights suddenly glowed across their white bodies. They arranged themselves into a long, winding crimson dragon along the floor.
"To embody the true evil of the Crimson Blood Dragon and ABUNDANCE!"
"The dashing and captivating true leader!"
"Lord Longzhang! And his followers, the Bai Ze!"
That was right. The Silver-White Shield of Beauty recommended by Argenti was—the Bai Ze clan!
The Bai Ze's appearance immediately astonished many spectators.
"Th-These little creatures are just too..."
"How is this possible? How can they...?"
Under everyone's gaze, the Bai Ze stacked themselves one atop another. Finally, the one at the very top produced a dragon-shaped headpiece.
Combined with the red lights spread across the ground, they resembled a long crimson dragon stretching into the distance!
"We are the saviors who journey across the galaxy!"
"A white hole—a bright white tomorrow—awaits us! That's right—awoo!"
With that, the Bai Ze's entrance came to an end.
"They're far too adorable!"
The host voiced the audience's collective verdict.
What kind of impossibly cute creatures were these?
The Bai Ze had stacked themselves together like snowballs, forming one enormous mound of snow.
The tiny red lights shining from their bodies added an extra touch of liveliness.
They were practically the most perfect sprites in the entire universe!
The word "adorable" might as well have been invented for the Bai Ze.
No, this had already gone beyond anything the word "adorable" could encompass!
"They're like fallen leaves in summer and flying snow in winter—something no one could possibly do without!"
Argenti sternly rejected that interpretation.
"Incorrect! They are perfect beings who embody IDRILA THE BEAUTY!"
Argenti held up one Bai Ze's tiny hand.
"They are the stalwart support protecting the Land of Rebirth!"
Next, he showed off the Bai Ze's soft pink paw pads.
"They are the Silver-White Shield of Beauty!"
Argenti raised the Bai Ze high into the air. Beneath the light of the distant star, it appeared dazzlingly radiant.
The Bai Ze expertly assumed an expression of utter resignation.
It was used to this.
And the reason it had come here despite that was simple.
"We have always kept Lord Longzhang's teachings in our hearts, but we realized this is not a treasure we can keep to ourselves!"
The Bai Ze held aloft by Argenti spoke solemnly in an exceedingly soft and adorable voice.
"We are the saviors who journey across the galaxy! We must embody the true evil of the Crimson Blood Dragon and ABUNDANCE!"
Thus, the Bai Ze clan could not remain holed up on the planet known as the Land of Rebirth!
They would travel the universe.
They would spread the gospel of the Crimson Blood Dragon throughout the entire cosmos.
"This is surely what Lord Longzhang desires!"
And the first salvo in spreading the Gospel of Longzhang would begin with this guard selection competition!
The corner of Sunday's mouth twitched when he heard that.
"Longzhang? I remember Hoshigaki Sora, Taozi, and the others mentioning something about that."
Sora had also acted extremely guarded when discussing it, as though he did not wish to say much.
Which raised a question.
Did Sora know that the Bai Ze wanted to spread the Gospel of Longzhang across the universe?
The answer was that Sora definitely did not know!
Sora had said he was going to repair and maintain the Silver Radiance while getting some rest, so he was not present.
Otherwise, Sunday could at least have looked forward to seeing Sora's reaction.
Sunday could not help feeling somewhat disappointed.
He decided he would personally tell Sora the news later!
As Sunday made up his mind, the Bai Ze's declaration stirred reactions throughout the venue.
"To think such tiny bodies could contain such lofty ambitions."
"How moving. If I were Longzhang and saw the gospel spreading across the universe, I'd definitely cry."
"Waaah! I want to learn about the Gospel of Longzhang right now!"
The Bai Ze's entrance and speech had stirred tremendous interest in the Gospel of Longzhang.
Everyone desperately wanted to learn more about the gospel and the story behind it.
The host took in every reaction.
"It appears the audience has responded with tremendous enthusiasm. Even my eyes are getting a little moist."
The host rubbed his eyes as though wiping away a few glistening tears.
But the selection competition was not over yet. Learning about the gospel would have to wait until everything had concluded!
"Now, whether the guard team recommended by Argenti of the Knights of Beauty—the Silver-White Shield of Beauty—"
"We're Lord Longzhang's Blood-Dragon Scales!"
"—has performed well enough will depend on the judges' decision."
Although the audience and even the host had already been moved, the judges would determine whether the Bai Ze could launch the first salvo of the Gospel of Longzhang—or whether their dream would end here.
Could the Bai Ze's dream truly be realized?
"Judges, light up your panels!"
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
The lights before all four judges immediately dimmed.
From this point onward, lighting one would signify recognition of the Silver-White Shield of Beauty's abilities!
Faced with this situation, Sunday slowly moved his hand away from the button.
The little creatures certainly were adorable, but he had little confidence in their combat ability.
He had already looked up the Bai Ze clan.
Even with the blessings of ABUNDANCE, they could only barely attain lifespans comparable to those of ordinary people.
They were not a race blessed with great power.
A guard's work inevitably involved all manner of danger.
Strength was the foundation of survival and the key to ensuring Sunday could carry out his work.
He was here to find guards, not mascots.
The Bai Ze clan did not meet his standards.
Robin will surely understand that too.
Since neither his light nor Robin's would come on, the only uncertainty lay with the other two judges.
CLICK!
Just as Sunday finished his analysis, one light suddenly came on.
And the judge who had lit it was...
"It's Miss Robin! She is the first to light her panel and acknowledge the Silver-White Shield of Beauty!"
Sunday's eyes widened. He braced himself against the table and stared toward the woman on the far right in disbelief.
Robin, what are you doing?!
Are you trying to ruin your own brother?!
"First, let us ask Miss Robin why she chose the Silver-White Shield of Beauty!"
The host's words immediately caught Sunday's attention.
He wanted to know why Robin had lit her panel without the slightest hesitation!
"Guarding someone is not merely a matter of protecting them physically," Robin explained in her soft voice.
"Their mental well-being must also be protected throughout the process."
Sunday's clenched fist loosened slightly.
So my sister really does care about me.
"I once knew someone whose mental health nearly deteriorated because he overworked himself."
"That is why I believe the presence of the Bai Ze would undoubtedly help the person under their protection maintain a positive state of mind."
Sunday looked moved.
So Robin had already considered things that deeply?
It seemed he had misjudged her.
"And everything I've said is meant as a warning to one particular person..."
Sunday could barely stop himself from rising to his feet.
He wanted to proclaim to the entire universe that this was his sister.
Even if doing so led the Family straight to him, he would not be afraid!
After pausing for a moment, Robin finally spoke the name.
"Hoshigaki Sora, did you hear me?!"
Sunday's expression froze.
Wait.
Had he misheard?
Wasn't that name a little wrong?
"Hahaha. It seems the pressure has gotten to me. I'm even hearing things now."
Sunday shook his head, trying to dismiss what he was sure he had imagined.
But then—
CLICK!
The person beside him lit her panel.
It was Feng Liqi—the woman he had deemed far too socially anxious to speak voluntarily in public!
Huh?! What's your problem now?!
Sunday stared at Feng Liqi beside him in astonishment.
Only then did he notice that her legs had stopped shaking and the cold sweat had vanished from her brow. Under everyone's watchful gaze, she had actually stood up straight!
"Th-The second judge has lit her panel as well!"
Even the host was surprised by this sudden development.
"Let us hear why this judge has recognized the Silver-White Shield of Beauty!"
Everyone turned toward Feng Liqi, puzzled by her abrupt decision.
Feng Liqi herself was equally confused.
She had heard that familiar name and reacted instinctively.
She had thought Sora was somewhere nearby.
But after standing and looking around, she found no trace of him.
The excitement in Feng Liqi's heart gradually faded.
Under Sunday's watchful gaze, her legs began trembling once more.
Sunday roared inwardly.
So you were just causing trouble?!
Before the crowd, Feng Liqi forced her expression back under control and slowly sat down on the floor.
I don't know. Stop looking at me. I don't know anything...
"There it is! Judge Number Three's Face of Unspoken Meaning!"
At the sight of her expression, the host suddenly cried out.
"Judge Number Three intends to use this method to tell us why she chose the Silver-White Shield of Beauty."
"But how is that expression any different from the one she wore before?" someone in the audience asked.
"Haven't you noticed? Her brow has relaxed by three millimeters, and the corner of her eye has risen ever so slightly! Could it be...?" another replied.
"It seems so! This is the tolerance the Xianzhou shows toward those who pursue their dreams!"
There was an old Xianzhou saying: "A teacher can show you the door, but the rest is up to you."
Clearly, Judge Number Three had long since been moved by the Bai Ze's dream and had chosen to grant them an opportunity!
"Her expression is plainly saying, 'This is as far as I can help you. You must walk the rest of the road yourselves.'"
"So this is a representative of the Xianzhou?! She can convey such complex ideas with nothing but her face!"
"I can't wait! I just can't wait!"
Sunday felt himself going mad as the interpretations grew increasingly outrageous.
That was clearly just the face of someone so socially anxious that she was desperately forcing herself to hold it together.
How were they reading all this nonsense into it?
Would he have to release a video of her shaking legs before they finally understood the truth?!
But reality gave Sunday no time to lose control.
CLICK!
Another light came on!
Hotaru—the person Sunday trusted most to think rationally—had also lit her panel.
"No, what are you doing now?"
Sunday could no longer contain himself.
Three lights were now lit.
Unless all four panels were required, that meant the choice of guards was about to be confirmed!
This concerned his personal safety. How could he not panic?
Hotaru's reason for stepping forward was simple.
"Dreams."
"Having a dream can sometimes bring terrible sorrow, but it can also set one's blood ablaze."
She had once dreamed of someone leading all her people toward prosperity.
Unfortunately, it had been destined to become a road of despair.
"My dream was once protected by someone else. Now it is my turn to protect the dreams of others."
If they intended to travel the universe proclaiming Sora's words, how could she possibly stand in their way?
"Go. Show your dream to the universe, and let others know of his ideals!"
The venue fell silent for a moment after she finished.
Then, once the crowd came to its senses, thunderous applause erupted.
"That was beautifully said! This event is incredible!"
"Exactly! Without this event, how would we ever have encountered 'the Xianzhou senior with the Face of Unspoken Meaning' or 'the lady who protects dreams'?"
Everyone showered the grand event with praise.
To them, the event was entertaining while also revealing the Land of Rebirth's support for people's dreams.
It was profoundly moving.
Then Sunday stood.
CLICK!
His panel lit up.
"May I ask what the purpose of this event is supposed to be?!" he demanded, finally voicing the question he had suppressed for so long.
Wasn't the event supposed to select guards for him?
How had it suddenly become a forum for discussing dreams?
"Everyone, please remember the original purpose of this event!"
Sunday spoke patiently, desperately trying to steer the event back on course.
"The event's... original purpose?!"
The host murmured the words.
Something seemed to occur to him, though he still could not quite grasp it.
After everything the judges had said, each of their words had to be examined carefully.
What was the true meaning behind Judge Number Four's statement...?
Then understanding dawned.
The original purpose?! If that was truly what he meant...
The host raised his head toward the sky, no longer able to conceal the glimmering tears in the corners of his eyes.
"All four lights are on!"
Once all four panels lit up, the selected candidates would succeed!
Was that not the original purpose of this event?
Sunday's breath caught.
"Your event won't let me speak while my light is off—"
Before he could finish, the feed had already switched to the host's microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today, at this event, in the very first round of selection!"
The host's voice shook with excitement. He had never witnessed such a scene before.
This would go down as a first in the history of the universe.
It could even attract countless viewers who would return to watch it again and again.
"The universe embraces dreams! The universe acknowledges them!"
The judges had proven that fact through their actions.
Faced with the tiny Bai Ze clan's dream of venturing into the universe, all four judges had offered their wholehearted support.
And this had happened in the very first round!
"Although the winner of this event has already been decided in the first round, I urge every participant not to abandon your dreams!"
The host felt as though he had rediscovered the reason he had first entered this profession.
That was right.
Had he not chosen this line of work because he wanted to meet more people and learn about more dreams?
Yet beneath layer after layer of dust, he had gradually lost sight of that original aspiration.
Now, he had finally reclaimed it.
"Come! Show us your dreams upon this stage!"
The host clenched his fist and called out to everyone watching the event.
"Our future is filled with light!"
And so, the Guard Selection Competition was renamed the Dream Competition.
At this competition, anyone could freely speak about their dreams and receive support in pursuing them.
Although the judges were replaced after the first competition, the titles of the Face of Unspoken Meaning and the Protector of Dreams were passed down through the ages.
Even countless Amber Eras later, people continued to speak of them.
But those were matters for another time.
At that moment, in the Land of Rebirth...
Without anyone at the controls, the Silver Radiance left the maintenance shop on its own and flew into space.
When the staff returned, they froze where they stood.
"Huh? Where's the ship?"
"And... where's Mr. Hoshigaki?!"
One staff member vaguely remembered Mr. Hoshigaki saying he was going to take a little nap.
How had he managed to nap himself right out of existence?!
---
T/N: SORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
T/N2: hello i am back from japan, and i am sick heres some chapters i remembered you guys exist
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